BEAUTY FILE: KERASTASE REFLECTION COLLECTION

As a blogger, I am fortunate in that I get to test a ton of beauty and haircare products. Of course, I am always open to trying out new things, but along the way, I have definitely developed some favorites. The Kerastase Reflection line is one of those newly favorited product launches.

When Kerastase reached out, I was eager to see what they recommended for my hair.  A few years ago, I had a bad cellophane treatment that left my hair dry and prone to breakage. In 2017, I reluctantly dyed my hair for the first time, which resulted in my hair turning a shade too dark for my liking. In order to counteract the black shade, I got highlights. The bleach killed my hair.  I've been growing it out ever since, trying to do what I can to restore it.

I have been using the Kerastase Reflection line, consistently, for over three months. My hair is stronger, and softer. It also has a lot more shine. I use the Sulfate Free Shampoo for color treated hair and the Reflection Mask. I do use a drugstore shampoo for my first shampoo, then follow it with the shampoo from the line. I leave the conditioning mask on anywhere from 5-10 minutes. I really coat my hair in the mask and use a good amount.  The conditioning mask has lasted me a full three months. I still haven't gone through a full bottle of the shampoo.  These are high end products which are worth the investment.

Natural hair, no product, and air dried after washing / conditioning with Kerastase Reflection Shampoo and Mask

Kerastase is having a sale on their website. You can now get the Reflection Holiday Gift Set for a special price.  The line is carried at my local CVS. Sephora has also recently started carrying Kerastase!

If you have tried these products out, please leave a comment letting me know what your experience has been.

Kerastase sent me the products in the Reflection line. This post is not sponsored. 

Natural hair, no product, and air dried after washing / conditioning with Kerastase Reflection Shampoo and Mask

TRAVEL DIARY: EAST HAMPTON, NEW YORK

I recently traveled to East Hampton, in New York, for a weekend trip to celebrate a good friend's engagement.  You can read about how we got around, in this post.  Below is a roundup of what I wore, where we ate, and what we saw.  Click below for my Hampton's travel guide. 

Finishing the night off right, with a side walk shimmy outside of Lulu's Kitchen and Bar in Sag Harbor.

Where to Stay:
We were a large group so we opted for a 4 bedroom house through Air BNB (5 Longboat Lane) nestled deep in the hills.  Every morning, little deer would graze on our front lawn. The location is remote, with spotty internet and cell phone access which allowed us to disconnect. The area was peaceful and quiet, full of wildlife and beautiful scenery.  We were about a 15 minute drive to town, and Sag Harbor.

What to Do:

• Sightseeing: Montauk, Sag Harbor, East Hampton are beautiful. I recommend renting a car and just exploring the surroundings. We were very fortunate to have Volkswagen sponsor our ride, and really enjoyed driving the Tiguan through the beautiful neighborhoods. The homes are gorgeous. In town, you'll find a Soul Cycle (of course), a farmer's market, and so much good shopping.  

• Shopping: if you're a fashion girl you will find all of your faves located along the strip; Zimmerman, Intermix, Tory Burch, Alice Olivia, everything within arm's reach.  

• Surf Lessons: we also drove to Montauk and took surfing lessons on the beach. We used Corey's Wave. Really nice and patient instructors. 

• Wildlife: make your way to the Duck Pond. It's a peaceful spot where you can feed the wildlife, walk nature trails and find a bird sanctuary. Be on the lookout for the muskrat! 

• Hire a Private Chef: it's really nice to stay in from time to time, especially while on vacation! Chef Kevin Des Chenes (Food Network alum) prepared a fantastic lobster and clam bake for us, with all of the trimmings. He was a great sport, and a one-man-show who handled everything from meal prep, plating and cleaning. More pictures of the meal below.

Surfing in Montauk.

Where to Eat: 
Lulu's Kitchen and Bar in Sag Harbor: beautiful restaurant with delicious food and cocktails, friendly/knowledgable staff and a great atmosphere. You know it's good when you see Eric Ripert having dinner with his family and then he graciously drops by your table to congratulate the bride.
What to Eat: have the skirt steak, mussels, roasted cauliflower, and a Spicy Paloma cocktail.

The Lobster Roll: I will admit that I had a total fangirl moment when we stopped at The Lobster Roll on our drive back from surfing. Those of you who are fans of The Affair will recognize this restaurant from the series.
What to Eat: have the puffer fish (seriously amazing - you will not believe how good), fried clams, and a lobster roll, obviously. Skip the Bloody Mary - not the best.

Lobster Roll at the Lobster Roll.

La Fondita Mexican Restaurant: located in Amagansett off of Montauk Highway, this Mexican restaurant came highly recommended but was somewhat of a letdown. Still, I wouldn't say it was bad, but the lines / wait were long and there was nothing I ate that was too memorable. Note: only outdoor seating.

WANDER BEAUTY

Wander Beauty's On The Glow Blush and Illuminator duo. A two-in-one product that's easy to travel with.
The shell is part of the Sunday Forever Witch Kit

Wander Beauty's On The Glow Blush and Illuminator duo  

Wander Beauty is a new beauty and makeup line that was created by two women, model Lindsay Ellingson and business woman Divya Gugnani, who saw the need to cut down on the amount of stuff they packed when they traveled. They also needed to streamline their busy mornings.  They took this concept, of multi-tasking, no fuss products,  and created Wander Beauty.

Most people like to pack light when they travel; an idea that admittedly, escapes me.  Still, I'm aware that many women need to travel with only the essentials.  When you add a few kids into the mix, keeping things easy becomes even more important.

Most products in the Wander Beauty line are dual sided for this reason.  They are 2 in 1 and easy pack or throw in your purse.  Wander Beauty is cruelty free :) The line is also free of parabens, synthetic fragrance and mineral oil.  They also offer a selection of gluten free products.

You guys, the line is really, really good. I've been using it for over a month and will not go back to another concealer. Read below for product reviews on my faves.

THE 2018 VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN: THE PERFECT TRAVEL COMPANION

We recently took a trip up through New York, to East Hampton, Sag Harbor and Montauk. The 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan accompanied us every step of the way and made for the perfect travel companion.

The 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan

Montauk

The Tiguan is VW's version of a compact, cross-over SUV; seating up to seven people when you fully utilize the the third row seating option. (Although the last row of seats is much smaller in size and probably more kid friendly than adult friendly.) A variety of driving packages make it a fun car to drive. It boasts a 5-inch color touch screen that was useful on our trip as we navigated the long and windy Hamptons' roads. The Tiguan synchs to your Apple iPhone, and mirrors your phone on the dash, allowing you to select your destination from Maps and access other things like your Contacts.  In addition to Apple CarPlay, it also has Android MirrorLink options. You can also opt to display your text messages or have them read to you so that you can keep your eyes safely on the road. 

CHOTTO MATTE: MIAMI

Nikkei Gyoza: pork shrimp and cassava dumplings at Chotto Matte, Miami 

Chotto Matte, the popular Japanese-Peruvian fusion restaurant with locations in Toronto and in London, has recently opened in Miami.  The sleek exterior hides the entrance, tucked in the alleyway just behind the 1111 parking garage, off of 16th and Lenox.

Night time bar scene at Chotto Matte, Miami

The dining concept centers around four key areas: the sushi bar, the Robata grill, the Sautee Grill and a Tempura selection.  There are also a variety of Nikkei sharing menus to choose from.  The sharing menus are perfect for first timers, because they help cut through the vast menu selections. They provide you with pre-set options for starters, entrees, and desserts.

Exec Chef Jordan Sclare, has hit it out of the park with dishes like the Tentaculos de Pulpo - a perfectly grilled and tender piece of octopus served alongside a purple potato sauce.  The Nikkei Gyoza are perfectly crispy on the outside with a delicious pork and shrimp blend filling. The lobster tempura is a must have, and easy to share.

The ambiance and decore at Chotto Matte Miami are sure to draw you in. Dim lighting provides for beautiful interiors.  If you opt to dine in the evening, the moonlight fills the main dining area, as it comes through the beautiful and large skylight. In the winter months, the retractable roof can be opened to let in the beautiful Miami breeze.

Chotto Matte is not quiet, by any means, and between the music blaring and the vast menu, you may feel a bit overwhelmed.  Still, the tropical vibe is fun; a great option for a night out when you want to disconnect and people watch.

Last, but not least, and definitely worth a mention is the amazing service. This restaurant boasts the most friendly staff. There was rarely a moment in between plates, and the staff was really welcoming and pleasant.

Tentaculos de Pulpo

Below, are some of my must-have dishes.